I have a confession: I’m not concerned about the cause of autism. Not in the slightest.
The truth is, I’m not interested in pinpointing why my child is autistic. There’s no need for blame or some form of closure. I might need a nap more than answers, but I’ve decided to move on from the endless cycle of questions surrounding autism. To borrow a phrase from Bob Seger, I’ve “turned the page.”
Why This Perspective?
You may wonder why I have this seemingly self-centered perspective. The answer is straightforward: it’s about survival. I have a full plate and prefer to leave the scientific inquiries to the experts. Those researchers aren’t here to help with the laundry or unload the dishwasher. So, I’ll stick to my daily tasks and rely on Google for finding new slow cooker recipes.
For Other Families
What about families who are also facing this journey? I understand your concerns. I’ve met several families who have joined the autism community, and it’s tough to witness their challenges. Yet, I can’t shoulder that burden too. My focus is on what I need to do for my child. While I’m all for sharing helpful tips and supporting others, I believe it’s far healthier for parents to chat about the latest sports game or a popular show rather than dive deep into medical research. Sometimes, you just need to hit pause on the “All autism. All the time” mindset because, frankly, my brain needs a break.
Facing New Challenges
My son is now ten and facing the transition to middle school, which brings its own set of challenges. Just last week, I noticed he’s hit the stage of early puberty—hair is sprouting in new places, and he’s developing that unmistakable teenage boy odor. The thought of navigating the world of shaving his face is coming up fast, and I can barely manage to sneak in trimming his toenails while he sleeps. Can I shave him while he’s asleep? Is that a possibility?
He still struggles with writing his name, and you expect me to read through countless articles and blogs sent by well-meaning folks about what might have led to his autism? That’s low on my priority list. He’s growing quickly, and I have too much on my plate to devote time to that. Honestly, remembering to take something out of the freezer for dinner is a challenge, let alone combing through extensive medical literature. My family can’t survive on research findings.
Finding Peace
If you’re still grappling with what might have caused your child’s autism, I’m sorry. I’ve chosen to close that chapter, and it’s brought me a lot more peace.
Despite the routines that fill our lives, this decision has granted me more freedom. I’m not suggesting this is the only valid perspective, but as we say around here, “You do you.” Consider shifting your energy away from that singular focus—you might find it liberating.
Additional Resources
And if you’re interested in the topic of home insemination, check out this blog post on home insemination kits. Also, for expert advice on bathing your little one, visit this resource. And if you’re looking for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, this site is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, focusing on the cause of autism may not be the most productive use of your time. Instead, concentrate on the present challenges and joys of raising your child.